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ILLEGAL MONEY-LENDING IS ON THE RISE IN OMAN AS MORE RESIDENTS WHO CAN’T ACCESS SECURE BANK LOANS TO MAKE ENDS MEET FALL VICTIM TO THE CHOKEHOLD OF UNREGULATED LOAN-SHARKS. Y GOES IN-DEPTH TO EXPOSE THE FINANCIAL FALLOUT OF A DEBT FEW CAN REPAY
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EDITOR’S
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Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
IN THIS ISSUE…
W
hat do you do when there’s still too much month left at the end of the money? For many expats living in Oman, working abroad – earning a higher salary in most cases than at home – may actually mean incurring more costs as well. It could be consolidating debt or loans from your home country for non-residency tax status purposes or shouldering the costs of sponsoring your spouse and children to join you in Oman. It might also be paying out of pocket for child-care and schooling or purchasing a vehicle. Sometimes pay-day can’t come fast – or often – enough. But what happens when you just can’t make ends meet? More people than ever before are facing financial hardship in the Sultanate. Those who can’t secure a bank loan through their company are turning to under-the-table moneylending outfits that seem, at first, like a golden ticket out of trouble. However, with interest rates well above the legal margins and no regulatory body overseeing the practice, it’s a slippery slope on which few borrowers can find a sure footing. While Oman has strict laws in place when it comes to issuing loans through the banks, we find out in this week’s investigative cover story how tight the strings attached to black market money-lenders can be – some of which can bind you into debt for decades. Who are the Sultanate’s ‘loan sharks’ and how are they slowly corrupting the country’s financial system? In other news, we also interview Suha A., a Canadian tourist who narrowly escaped the clutches of death at Wadi Shab – only to spend the better part of a year trying to track down the woman who saved her... all for a simple hug. Gratitude, it seems, has no boundaries. Plus, we hit the roads in First Drive this week in the all-new 2018 Nissan Patrol V6 Platinum, head over to sample the fare at Copper Restaurant in Qurum to see if it passes the Yummy Oman Taste Test, catch a flight to Salzburg in our Postcard pages, and round up the best plus-size fall fashion that will have you hoofing it to the high street – or to City Centre or Avenues Mall. Until next week, happy reading!
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contents
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No strings attached? With more residents in Oman unable to secure bank loans, an increasing number are turning to illegal money-lending as a quick fix to their financial woes. But at what cost? Y investigates the high price of under-the-table lending in the Sultanate.
24 19 Movies Hayden Christensen and Emma Roberts play two star-struck lovers on rival sides of the pizza industry 26 in the ‘cheesy’ rom-com ‘Little Italy’.
Search after rescue After a near-death experience in Oman, Canadian tourist Suha A. spent a year searching in vain for the woman who rescued her. Read her incredible story here.
OCT 04 - 10
Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Abdul Qader al Bulushi 10 News Muscat Private Hospital opens new eye-care centre 12 News ROP arrest food fraud suspects
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2018
This Week 18
ROHM Celebrate ‘Incredible India’ with an evening of music, dance and cultural performance as ‘Namaste India’ comes to the Royal Opera House Muscat.
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Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Samkat 34 First Drive 2018 Nissan Patrol V6 Platinum 38 Y-Fi Gadgets for gamers
Features
Y Portrait By A Nation Registration is now open for Y Portrait By A Nation, which kicks off its fifth edition of patriotism and portraiture in honour of the 48th Oman National Day.
Health and Beauty
Food and Drink
40 Fashion Plus-size power
44 Yummy Oman: Healthy lunch swaps Easy tips to ease those mid-day hunger pangs the healthy way!
42 Beauty Hygienic eyes
46 Taste Test Copper Restaurant
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40 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE
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brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin
Where’s the music, Kanye? Kanye West was slated to release his album ‘Yandhi’, the sequel to ‘Yeezus’ on September 29. Hyping fans he even Tweeted: ‘The being formally known as Kanye West, I am Ye.’ When his album was meant to drop at midnight, fans were left hanging when it was nowhere to be found as the clock struck. His admirers were left in an uproar at the broken promise. Selena takes a break from social media
You might remember that live story that Selena Gomez did on her social media where she spoke about her friendship with Taylor Swift and her thoughts on her ‘Elle Magazine’ cover? Well, she’s since announced that’s she’s going to take some time off Instagram and her other social media, saying: “Taking a social media break. Again, as much as I am grateful for the voice that social media gives each of us, I am equally grateful to be able to step back and live my life present to the moment I have been given. Kindness and encouragement only for a bit! Just remember – negative comments can hurt anybody’s feelings.” Don’t worry Selena…we know you’ll be back! Katy and Orlando? It’s rumoured that Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom have rekindled their on-again, off-again romance that has been smouldering since 2016. Well, those rumours became official when the pair were seen stepping out together 06
on the red carpet at the recent Gala for the Global Ocean charity event. Before making their début, Katy posted a little video of Orlando dancing around to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s ‘Baby Got Back’. Celine says adios to Vegas The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer made the sad announcement that, after eight years, she’ll be ending her Las Vegas residency at Caesar’s Palace. Dion’s last show will be on June 8, 2019. In a statement she said: “I definitely have mixed emotions about this final run. Las Vegas has become my home and performing there has been a big part of my life for the past two decades. It’s been an amazing experience and I’m so grateful to all the fans who have come to see us throughout the years. Every show we do throughout this fall, and right up until the final one, will feel very special.” Lil Xan hospitalised The ‘Betrayed’ singer and Noah Cyrus’ ex, Lil Xan was gearing up for a huge tour until, last week, he was taken to hospital. Shortly after, he took to Instagram to explain why: “I went to the hospital today. You know, getting ready to pack for this tour. I just want to let everybody know I was in the hospital. I guess I ate too many Hot Cheetos and I guess it ripped something in my stomach open so I spit up a little blood.” He then went on to reassure his fans that he was okay and fully recovered. He was also spotted a few days after his release from hospital by paparazzi – one who offered him a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which he proceeded to eat with gusto. Some of us never learn…
Zedd and Shawn Mendes team up for a catchy remix! If you thought Shawn Mendes’ ‘Lost In Japan’ couldn’t get any better, think again. Zedd remixed the already catchy song and the result is one you’ll have on re-play all day! Mendes says that when he decided to make this his next single, he wanted to do an exciting remix for it and Zedd is a good friend and an amazing artist, so it felt natural to ask him to collaborate on it. ‘Lost in Japan’ was originally released on Shawn Mendes’ self-titled LP back in May. DJ Snake goes Reggaeton DJ Snake has been teasing us with new music for a while now, finally releasing ‘Taki Taki’ featuring Selena Gomez, Cardi B., and Puerto Rican singer Ozuna. DJ Snake spoke about the record saying: “I wanted to make a Reggaeton club record, so I sent it to Ozuna who crushed it.” He continued by saying he still felt like he wanted to have more females on the record – ones that can speak Spanish specifically, which is why Selena Gomez and Cardi B. were the perfect choices! New music for Khalid fans Khalid has been keeping himself busy by working with as many artists as possible, such as Halsey, Benny Blanco, Ty Dolla $ign, and the list goes on. But we finally have a new song from him where he gets to showcase his smooth vocals as always. ‘Better’ is produced by Charlie Handsome, who’s also worked with big names like Kanye West and Drake. Khalid will be performing at the American Music Awards on October 9, 2018. Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.
THE VOICE OF OMAN
ABDUL QADER AL BULUSHI, THE FORMER GENERAL MANAGER OF AL YUSR ISLAMIC BANKING IN OMAN ARAB BANK (OAB) EXPLAINS WHY ILLEGAL MONEYLENDING IS BECOMING MORE COMMON IN THE COUNTRY AND HOW IT CAN BE STOPPED
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Illegal money-lending in Oman is becoming increasingly common, with interest rates soaring beyond legal limits while leaving borrowers trapped in debt. What steps can the country’s financial watchdogs take to stem this practice? for bank loans, the non-existence of regular income to pay for the loan instalments if obtained from Money regulation is a very difficult a financial institution, delays in getting salary if and tedious process, and we see employed or non-financial inclusion etc. are some that banks do everything they of the factors responsible for the mushrooming can to make sure that bankers take loans from growth of illegal money lending. Oman has already their institutions. However, the reality is that a addressed the problem of delays in salary, with lot of people in Oman, especially expats, aren’t the introduction of the Wage Protection System. legally allowed to take loans because they don’t Similarly, the interest rate angle has also been taken fit into the bank’s criteria or their company isn’t care of by putting a ceiling of 6% on all personal registered with the bank. This is when things loans – including housing loans – by the regulator get a bit tough. What will one do? The obvious answer is to borrow money from a private lender. (Central Bank of Oman). Besides, the authorities have also initiated an awareness campaign to educate Out of sheer desperation they take out loans the public about the perils of illegal money lending. that are well above what they can normally Moreover, they have warned the perpetrators with carry and which are at excruciating rates. This the threat of prosecution and conviction. What is causes an imbalance in the system that not of greater significance is to unearth the source of much can be done to fix. Moreover, the paper the illegal money – whether it is through money trail in this layout of lending is minimal. The laundering or through the proceeds of the sales of supporting documents may not be attested by legal bodies and they may be something they may any banned substances. skip altogether, too. The reality is that Oman’s DIVYA HARIDAS fight against “shark loans” is only fuelled by its Illegal money lending is becoming increasingly own banking system that discriminates against common in Oman due to the financial crisis. The certain individuals in society. We’ve even come financial watchdog should take steps to stem this to the point at which banks are openly refusing practice by imposing some strict laws against the to provide expats with loans. So, where else will they go? Why are we surprised by this? It’s simple: money lenders. Firstly, the agreement between people will pay 10 to 13 percent interest on loans the money lenders and the borrowers should be registered with the government for the correct because they’re in need. Not everyone will think amount. That amount should transfer to the twice when a bag full of money is presented to borrowers through bank channels only. The money them with few questions asked. lenders should not be given the chance to file a case against the borrowers by using the most common MOHAN ANANDAN negotiable instrument, the cheque. Usually the Illegal money lending is the bane of many money lenders are demanding signed cheques as regulated financial markets as the perpetrators security from the borrowers and submit to the bank easily find victims who will opt to avoid the for a higher amount instead of a lower amount. normal banking channels, for various reasons. Lack of official identification documents required The government should pass a law that the money
AISHA AL BARWANI
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et’s get one thing straight here: moneylending is a job for the bank and not for people. As a matter of fact, one should only ever lend money to families and friends – and without compound interest. Otherwise, you’re yielding from it and it becomes a business transaction. That is illegal in Oman. Today, most residents can walk into a bank and request a loan – but there’s a chance that your request might be turned down. This isn’t because they don’t want to give you a loan but rather because of the economic situation of the nation. It’s dry season in Oman right now, and the region is going through a depression. This means that banks – even those that want to expend money on loans – are holding onto their money. Moreover, because the interest rates are a mere 5 to 6 per cent, the yields are low, too. But when loan sharks lend out, they try to procure up to 50 to 100 per cent yields. While that’s unfair to the customer and illegal in the country, it’s also upsetting the financial market. Banks are working very hard to provide loans, and as subsidies are being removed on many commodities, the common man cannot live like he used to. So, a little push financially is required. But banks know that there’s a risk involved in lending today. There will be people who abscond and those who cannot repay the loan. In such instances, there needs to be more backing from the public governing bodies. Only then will banks regain their trust in people and vice versa. I strongly feel that this switch will take a good two years.
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lenders should not file a case under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Lastly, the borrowers should approach a government bank that is more receptive to members of the public.
T. SUDHEER
Oman has become one of the countries in which money-lending become increasingly common in recent years. The main reason of this is the financial crisis. As a result, businesses are plummeting and job seekers aren’t getting a proper chance. In order to prevent illicit money lending, people should be made aware of the consequences. The government should pass a law to make all financial transactions pass only through the
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bank. The illegal money lenders earn an unfair amount of interest that should be questioned. The government should also levy a huge amount in tax on money lenders.
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SANGEETHA SUDHEER
Unemployment is rising rapidly and due to crises, salaries are falling. This is one of the most important reasons why people are forced to depend upon moneylenders. They take loans without thinking about the consequences. Strict laws should be imposed on those who lend money at huge rates of interest. Oman-based financial institutions should give loans to people with low interest, which could reduce their dependence on moneylenders.
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OCT 04 - 10 / ISSUE 538
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EYE CARE CENTRE LAUNCHED
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uscat Private Hospital has launched an eye centre on its campus. Sandeep Kumar, CEO of UME Group said: “Imperial Eye Center (IEC) at Muscat Private Hospital is a joint venture of two prestigious medical groups in the Middle East. “Imperial Eye Care is a multiaward winning brand for excellence in eye care, with other centres in London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “Muscat Private Hospital is providing high quality private medical care in Oman. Imperial Eye Centre is bringing modern and advanced eye treatments available in the world to the citizens and residents of Oman.”
STUDENTS SHINE FOR SHELL MADHAV’S MAGIC
RUBIK RUN
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upils from more than 500 schools have taken part in the Royal Oman Police (ROP) drive to highlight road safety. Their efforts were celebrated at the 13th annual Shell Road Safety Awards held at the Royal ROP Traffic Safety Institute on Sunday. Shell Oman and the Ministry of Education hosted the annual ceremony in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Assistant Secretary General for the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers. Also attending was the Minister of Education, Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, as well as leading figures from the public and private sectors. This year’s competition drew entries from more than 500 schools, making up 30 per cent of schools in
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the Sultanate. It was organised by the Ministry of Education, Sultant Qaboos University and the ROP. Students showed various ways to be safe on the road, with teams showing their work through plays, art, and videos. The winners were chosen based on how influential, innovative and sustainable their ideas were and also by how well they worked together. Amna Al Balushi, Chairperson of the Shell Road Safety Awards Committee, said: “We have an obligation to educate future generations on a variety of life skills including road safety. By incorporating ‘Shell Road Safety Awards’ as a staple program into our schools, we are shaping our youth to become responsible citizens and, eventually, responsible drivers and passengers.”
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ndian School Ghubra student Madhav Saki has won a top Rubik’s Cube contest in India. Madhav, who is in Class 6-D, took part in two competitions. He came first at The Cube Fiesta, held in Surat, Gujarat; and also competed in the Phoenix Marketcity Cube Championship in Mumbai. Madhav saw off many older
contestants in the 3x3 cube and 2x2 cube categories. Both competitions are affiliated to the WCA (World Cube Association) and are open to entrants of any age. At the Cube Fiesta in Surat, Madhav won a Certificate of Merit for being the ‘Youngest Cuber’. He can solve the 3x3 cube in 25 seconds and the 2x2 cube in six seconds.
PARTY CENTRAL
GALLERY
THE B.A.B. LOUNGE SEASON OPENER PARTY AT THE SHANGRI-LA BAR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA WAS THE WEEKEND’S HOT TICKET.
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BOUNCED CHEQUE TALLY ON THE RISE
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he number of bounced cheque cases in Oman has risen by nearly 17 per cent in 2017 on the previous year – mostly due to insufficient funds in bank accounts, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO). A recent CBO report revealed that during 2017, the number of bounced cheques reached 436,022; an increase of 16.87 per cent over the previous year.
The lack or shortage of funds was the main reason for cheques not clearing, accounting for 77.24 per cent of cases. Other reasons included accounts being closed, frozen, or transferred, which made up 10 per cent of cases. According to the law, anyone who issues a cheque without having sufficient funds in his account can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to RO500.
FOOD FRAUD
SUSPECTS RAIDED
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orkers accused of selling on food way past its sell-by date have been raided by officials. A haul of food re-packaged, re-labelled and resold was recovered by officials from the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) and the Public Prosecution. An investigation accused the workers of storing dried cheese and vegetables (used for pickles) in a Barka warehouse without approval, and in an environment that had failed to meet health and safety standards. They had also allegedly sold them to retail outlets in Oman. Officials seized more than 11,000 foodstuffs labelled with fake details as well as a delivery truck that had failed to meet required safety standards.
MINISTER IN UNESCO TALKS
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he Minister of Education, Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah has held talks with one of UNESCO’s top officials to discuss technological developments. The minister hosted Dr. Chung Utak, Director of the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for Understanding (APCEIU) at UNESCO at her offices on Sunday. They discussed aspects of the joint cooperation between the ministry and the APCEIU in promoting the concept of global citizenship and achieving the seventh objective of UNESCO, which aims at enhancing global citizenship and sustainable development. 012
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NEW & IMPROVED
GALLERY
THE CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT CELEBRATED ITS GRAND RE-OPENING AFTER A SUMMER OF RENOVATIONS SAW EXTENSIVE UPGRADES TO THE FIVE-STAR PROPERTY.
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THE OMANIITALIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION’S SEASON OPENER EVENT GOT UNDERWAY AT THE CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT, SOLIDIFYING MUTUAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN BOTH NATIONS.
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GALLERY
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A RECENT OMAN-UK ALUMNI NETWORK EVENT AT THE GRAND HYATT MUSCAT SAW ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.
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GALLERY
Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Wadi Tanuf Style: Landscape Wild thistles clamour for the sun’s rays, their barbs glittering like frost among the rocks of Wadi Tanuf near Nizwa. OCT 04 - 10 / ISSUE 538
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CULTURAL CONNECTIONS Qanadeel, which showcases the authentic traditions of the Sultanate, is yours to enjoy on Friday evenings in one of Muscat’s top hotels. The quintessential cultural experience, which incorporates music, design, fashion, singing, arts, and cuisine is on every Friday evening at sunset at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. The Qanadeel comes to life at sunset when the open sandpit fire is lit and vintage lanterns are placed in the sand to decorate the beach. Guests can enjoy the best of Omani hospitality, some wonderful traditional cuisine and lively entertainment. Qanadeel is on every Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on Al Bandar beach and costs RO35 per person. Contact the ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa for details on 2477-6565 or email fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com.
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Infra Oman will host the Sultanate’s top industry leaders, suppliers, and buyers in Oman’s international exhibition for industrial projects. The annual trade show will be held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on October 8-10. Entry is free for accredited professionals. The exhibition, now in its sixth year, aims to provide a showcase and networking platform for Oman’s companies involved in energy, water, waste management, recycling and heavy industry. There will be four separate pavilions to visit: HVAC Oman; Greentech Oman; Fire Safety and Security; and Power and Electricity. For more information visit www.omanconvention.com.
‘NAMASTE INDIA’
WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
OCT
ROHM audiences will experience the exotic colours and boundless joy of ‘Incredible India’ as RG Studios takes us on a cultural tour of India, capturing the searing energy of Indian dance, in a stunning theatrical show called Namaste India. The story for Namaste India begins in answer to a mother’s dying wish, when Shaily Shergil journeys from her home in Germany to India in the hope of helping her mother turn a last dream into reality. Choreographed and directed by Rajeev Goswami, with lyrics by Irfan Siddiqui and an original score by Salim-Sulaiman, the very best of Bollywood’s creative talent has spawned a breathtaking spectacular bursting with life. Namaste India will be performed Thursday October 4 and Friday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. For further information and bookings, please check the ROHM website: www.rohmuscat.org.om.
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INDUSTRY EXPO
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
OCT
04
MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 2479-1641
Pataakha Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Radhika Madan, Sunil Grover
First Reformed Cast: Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Cedric The Entertainer Pastor Ernst Toiler (Ethan Hawke) runs a small church in New York State called First Reformed. With a dwindling congregation of barely a dozen, it’s little wonder Toiler is questioning his own faith and self-worth. After suffering the death of his son in Iraq, Toiler is drinking heavily, and his unwise dalliances mean he’s hardly best-placed to advise his parishioners on how to live with his own life in such turmoil.
Little Italy Cast: Hayden Christensen, Emma Roberts, Danny Aiello
Night School
However, one night he’s forced to put his own despair to one side when one parishioner, Mary (Seyfried), begs him to counsel her environmentalist husband after she discovers his obsession with suicide bomber vests. Written and directed by Paul Schrader, the man who wrote Taxi Driver; this is a searing, moving, and challenging drama. But with powerhouse performances, it certainly makes it worth it.
Nikki (Roberts) is a promising young London chef who has to go home to renew her visa if she wants to land a top job. When she returns to the Little Italy district in Toronto, she runs into Leo (Christensen) and the two have definitely got something going on. But the course of true love rarely runs smoothly, and in this case the obstacle is thrown up by both sets of parents running rival pizza restaurants. Will the two find a way to true happiness despite the diatribes over the dough? Yes, it all sounds very Romeo and Juliet in another setting. It’s a rom-com that is cheesy, cheery, and peppered with light comic touches. However, there’s something slightly unsatisfying about it; rather like a thin crust with few toppings on it.
estrangement from each other they always wanted. Miles away from one another, they can finally be themselves and be the family women they’ve always wanted to be. But maybe they really can’t bear to be apart, and blood is thicker than water. This colourful comedy-drama from director Vishal Bhardwaj is fresh, feist,y and fun to watch. In Hindi, with subtitles in Arabic and English.
Cast: Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Brooke Butler
These two sisters are anything but devoted, and Badki and Chhutki have been at each other’s throats for years. Their relationship consists of a continual antipathy that can combust at any given moment; be it borrowing each other’s things without asking, snitching to their father or brawling in the town square in front of everybody. However, when both find prospective husbands, the sisters finally achieve the
!
When a group of misfits find themselves back in night school, you just know this isn’t going to be an A-plus of a movie. These mismatched students have to pass the GED exam that they failed long ago to officially finish high school. The trouble is, the lessons of life have taught them little, and there’s about as much chance of them passing as President Trump has of being shy and retiring. So, led by the wisecracking, fast-talking Teddy (Kevin Hart), they’ll have to find a way to see the questions before they sit the exam, which means hatching a plan to steal it. This movie is not going to tax your intelligence but the comic interplay between feisty teacher Carrie (Haddish) and Teddy just about makes it watchable.
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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
‘Little Italy’ actor Hayden Christensen also starred in which famous sci-fi franchise? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Ajin Kuvakkat Anuraj
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NO STRINGS ATTACHED
MR. MAXED OUT
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hroughout history, most people have been taught to view anyone who lends money with a degree of scepticism. From Shakespeare’s Shylock to the US and British banks that caused the financial crisis of 2008 – the consequences of which are still with us – professional money lending is not something done out of the goodness of anyone’s heart. Oman has not been immune from the world recession, and like everywhere else, some of its residents simply can’t make ends meet; with employers that won’t pay salaries on time or banks that won’t lend to expats. It all makes for easy pickings for loan sharks, who make up a corrupt clique preying on the vulnerable causing further and never-ending levels of misery. The idea of an easy loan is lucrative – and more so when you’re in need and the bank won’t lend you any money. On paper, these “secret banks” make it easier for you to procure the money. It’s so easy that you’ll ask yourself why anyone would opt for an actual bank rather than a private lender. Money, it seems, is the least of their concerns – at least that’s what they tell us – and your happiness is what helps you put a smile on their faces. But then again, sharks do look like they’re smiling. Perhaps, that’s
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why they’re called ‘loan sharks’. But, it’s a smile our interviewee Randall* knows only too well. Today, he’s working for a retail firm in Oman. But, he calls himself “lucky” to no longer be strung out by chains of debt.
Who classifies as a loan shark?
“Sinister. That’s what they are,” he tells us as we walk down the streets of Wadi al Kabir that are notorious for its loan sharks. “These men are ruthless and intend to steal from you. But, not many people see it coming, at first.” This is confirmed by finance website, Investopedia, which describes a loan shark as a person or entity that offers loans at extremely high interest rates, has cruel (or strict) terms of collection upon failure, and operates outside off the street and off the radar of the local authorities. It currently sits as an illegal activity in the Sultanate as it flouts Islamic banking laws. Our conversation is loud enough to unsettle a few sharks – and they make hasty retreats into the shadows of their buildings. Randall’s encounter with loan sharks began in 2012 when he decided to take the plunge and buy a house in his hometown in India. “The bank (name withheld to protect identity) wouldn’t give
Loan sharks who lend money at huge repayment rates are a stain on our society. But what can be done to solve the problems caused by these corrupt individuals who ruin people’s lives? Team Y reports
me a loan because the loan manager thought that I couldn’t handle a loan of RO25,000 over five years. I was 26 then, and today, I can understand why he said that. I was in no position to take a loan on my shoulders. “Agitated by the rejection, though, I headed straight to Ruwi – based on a flyer I had received – and walked into a small dingy-looking office atop a restaurant and asked for a loan. “The aged Omani was accommodating. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I was an important person. He even told me how all banks were designed to ‘serve the rich’ and that entrepreneurs such as him saw these as opportunities to serve the public. He also vaguely mentioned that he didn’t charge excruciating interest like other lenders in Oman. In two days, Randall says he headed to the office with all the supporting documents: a bank statement, his residence card, driving licence, and his passport. By the
next day, the money was ready. “Everything was systematic and was going smooth initially. But then when we got to the part of the interest rate, I was shocked to see that he was charging based on a floating rate system with a minimum cap of 25 per cent (!) Still, confident that he could pay off the debt, he signed the papers and left his passport at the lender’s office. “The only collateral I had to place was my passport. It seemed like a fair deal at the time. Besides, he promised me to return it to me during my visa procedures and vacations.” Things, however, didn’t go as planned. He tells us that the floating rate fluctuated anywhere between 25 per cent and 66 per cent depending on the cash flow the lender received from his other businesses, and that he also wasn’t allowed to leave the country throughout the duration of the loan. “The pain of buying a new home and not being able to experience it is devastating,” he says. “And besides, there was no way I could have left – not even if I had my passport on me. I was paying anywhere between RO700 and RO1,100 per month as instalments. By the end of his 60-month term, Randall had paid an eye-popping RO55,875 – more than twice his original amount. The interview takes an emotional turn
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when Randall’s eyes tear up. He says: “This was the worst period of my life. In 2016 (a year before he completed his loan) I lost my father to a bike accident (in India). “I couldn’t even be there to bury him. And not a day goes by when I don’t forgive myself for it. “I don’t think I ever can. No one should ever take money from a lender, I implore you. It’s not worth the hassle and suffering. Today, I cannot enter my house; I believe it is cursed,” he says in a low tone, before stopping by a lone deserted building by the Wadi al Kabir market and pointing towards the window that used to be his lender’s office. The Omani lender has since been arrested on the grounds of fraud, moneylending, usury, and for confiscating debtors’ and employees’ passports. All our efforts to reach out to the offender in jail end in vain but it is known that Randall and the other victims will not have their money paid in interest returned. This means lender is free to enjoy all the spoils after he has served his sentence.
The official line
That said, Omani law takes a strong stand on moneylenders and loan sharks. The severity of the action is backed by our source (who prefers to remain anonymous) at the Royal Oman Police (ROP). He says: “Any individual partaking in moneylending or similar activities will be tried in court. This goes against the Islamic banking law that institutions across the country have to abide by. “If you find anyone undertaking such illegal activities, here in Oman, then it’s imperative that you come forward and file a complaint. These people are not only going against the law but also shaming the country’s human rights code.” The officer then shines light on a matter of grave concern: suicides among debtors who struggle to repay loans. “While it’s a last resort, several people in Oman – sometimes whole families – make the decision to end it all as a response when they go under financially. Thankfully, we haven’t seen such a case in a long time,” he says. He’s wrong. In 2017, the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National reported that a 33-year-old Indian construction worker had hanged himself in Oman due to the “pressures of debt”. The current law dictates that those operating illicit moneylending businesses will be subjected to three months behind bars plus a fine of RO200 although our source at the ROP says that it’s not enough to discourage moneylenders. “RO200 is like a walk in the park for these people,” he says. “Some of them earn more than RO20,000 in five years in interest alone from one loan. That amounts to about RO1,700 per year, and RO140 per month. So, a mere RO200 won’t put any pressure on them. “There’s no doubt that interest charged is an unjust form of income. It’s against Muslim culture and religion. While it has become the norm for banks today, you’ll notice that these legal financial institutions only charge interest rates as low as 4 per cent based on the bank.” In reality, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) is the advisory body that pegs the interest rates applied on loans and other similar contractual agreements, annually. While the ceiling for interest rates differ based on the
type of loan, it is known that banks are only allowed to charge 6 per cent for personal loans – and debtors are expected to pay the amount based on their contract with the bank. Article 80 of Oman’s Commercial Code (issued by Royal Decree 55/1990) – a body of laws that govern financial institutions in Oman – states: “a creditor shall be entitled to levy interest in consideration of the debtor obtaining a commercial loan or debt. “The interest shall be determined by the agreement of the two parties within such limits as the Ministry of Commerce & Industry shall set in agreement with the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry each year, having due regard to the term of the loan, the purposes thereof, and the risks attendant thereon. If the debtor is late in making payments on the due date, the creditor shall be entitled to claim the agreed interest in respect of the period in arrears”.
Corruption within banks
All of this brings us to the big question: can we ever put a stop to this? To get to the bottom of this matter, we reach out to several banking officials. However, one employee from a local bank agrees to talk to us in exchange for complete anonymity. He dodges our question initially but goes on to reveal some shocking truths. The loan officer tells us: “Corruption and immorality are the main reasons loan sharks exist in today’s economy. Think about it: if a bank would sanction loans to people who needed the money, all these problems would never occur. “But no, there are several managers and bank employees that deliberately put a halt on loans sanctioned to customers – especially expats. If an expat’s bank account is flagged by even the slightest of salary variation, they will not sanction the loan. “Instead, I have observed that these bank employees will then refer the customers to moneylenders. It’s a scam – and
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RO4,500. But, I was only offered RO3,000. “Still, I needed the money so I took it. “Where things took a turn for the worse was when I went back to the moneylender to take back my jewellery after our salary situation stabilised. That’s when he told me that I’d have to pay RO4,800 to get back my items – which was a whole RO1,500 more than what we had initially agreed upon in writing. “He had turned into an absolute monster during our meet. I initially thought of approaching the authorities with this matter, but then fearing for the safety of my girls, I decided to pay it off in instalments.” It didn’t end there for Michelle, either. She tells us that she had to dish out an extra RO400 as a penalty and to cover late fees. Thankfully, she stays clear from all debts today. But, the scars from her experience with the loan shark will continue to haunt her. It’s uncanny how one pins their hopes on those conducting criminal activities in times of desperation. Many experts are now saying that the problem is only growing further – and more individuals could be in debt by 2020 if banks don’t support needy communities further.
Regulation – Is that the way forward?
one that all parties but the customer will benefit from. “The individual who recommended the moneylender to the customer will also profit from this – it’s all a game. Truth be told, if the customer were to simply push a bit harder for the loan, it would be sanctioned. But fearing a confrontation with the institution, several opt for the alternative option. He then goes on to explain: “Those that come to banks nowadays for loans are those who haven’t been paid their salaries on time. “These people have bills to pay and mouths to feed. They aren’t coming in to buy cars and expensive gadgets. These corrupt employees see them as the easiest targets as they’re desperate – and that’s why they’ll take the word of a bank employee, and approach loan sharks.” Italian expat Michelle is a single mother and is one among several such victims – but she has since realised her mistake and amended it. In a phone interview with Y, she says: “I work with an engineering company here in Oman and have been put on a salary of RO1,800 per month. “But I didn’t get paid for a period of three months. So, I had to head to the bank to pay instalments from my previous debts, rent, as well as my daughters’ school fees. “The bank (name withheld to protect identity) that I headed to, however, refused the loan because they couldn’t determine whether my source of income was stable enough to pay for the loan. So, like any other customer would, she asked the bank manager for advice on her problem. But he simply referred her to a moneylender here in Oman – a Sri Lankan man specialising in gold loans. “I met him at his house, in May, this year. The meeting was almost shady, and the money was presented to me at the expense of my jewellery; two gold necklaces and a gold ring. Based on my estimation, the trio were worth
Simon Schlicht, a finance lawyer with an international firm situated in Oman says: “They say that necessity is the mother of invention. This whole issue concerning loan sharks – or as some call expats call it ‘blade mafia’ – came to rise because of people’s demands for money with minimal paperwork. “A bank, for instance, would require collateral, salary statements, and most importantly, approvals from the bank. This would take time and a lot of effort. Most people get around this problem by simply making use of a credit card. “Though, that comes with its own horrors. In Oman, however, those who really seek out money are those who are in desperate need of the money, and cannot afford a credit card. “This leaves them in the jaws of the terrorising finance mafia; it’s not a pleasant thing to think of and will leave people in the red. But one way we could perhaps get around it would be to have banks allocate smaller personal loans to individuals with minimum paperwork but a higher interest rate, of say, 6 per cent per annum. “This would completely resurrect the individual for a period until the cash flow came back. But another method – and this is what I am hoping for – is to have registered moneylenders working in tandem with banks. “Currently, banks flout moneylenders – but co-existing entities could solve this issue. By doing so, these lenders will be forced to be registered, meaning the paper trail can come under the scanners of the Central Bank of Oman. “Also, should these lenders come across debtors looking to procure greater loan amounts, they can work together with the bank to draw up an efficient payment strategy; one that would possibly keep both parties happy,” he adds. All of this brings us back to what our source at the bank states: “I lose faith in the banking system here by the day – not because of the laws but rather the people. There should be no place for usury in the world anymore. “Extortion of this kind is cruel – it’s an active scorn of human rights. Get it together, people. Report such actions to the ROP and head to your bank. Fight for your rights. Just remember that in the eyes of a moneylender, you’re his investment and his asset. Like the name suggests, it really is like a shark stalking its feed.” *names changed
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The Accidental
Tourist Oman’s beauty spots are wonderful but can be lethal if one is unlucky. One Canadian woman escaped death thanks to a good Samaritan, with whom she was later reunited after an extensive internet search. Team Y brings you her incredible story
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eath doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t strike when you’re ready. It won’t care if you’re on vacation in another country or if you’re having the time of your life with your mates. It can strike anyone at any time – and if anything’s certain, we’re all destined to pass on one day. But, this isn’t a story of sorrow. It’s the story of how a 33-year-old Canadian tourist, Suha A., pulled off the greatest escape of her life, while visiting Oman – all thanks to her guardian angel – literally (!) An angel that Suha, and tens of thousands of people on the Internet, would help her to find and thank. In February 2017, Suha, who works as a bioengineer in Canada, and her husband were on holiday in Oman, and were visiting Wadi Shab – the “Jewel of Oman”. They took a trip down to the rock-strewn underground caves to catch a glimpse of the majestic and unspoilt waterfalls. The turquoise waters of Wadi Shab are teeming with adventure opportunities and are worth hours of amusement. But as any lover of the outdoors will tell you,
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there are dangers everywhere. All she remembers from her trip was how splendid the waterfalls seemed and how the rains from the night before had created a rough terrain for adventurists. She lost her footing and came face-to-face with what she describes as her “last moments”. Her next memory, as she tells Y in an interview, is of her screaming for help and gasping for breath. “I can’t. I can’t,” she screamed out to her husband as she began fighting bubbles at the foot of the waterfall. ‘Bubbles’ is a phenomenon triggered when white water foams – and it is known to reduce buoyancy. This can, inevitably, lead to drowning. Due to this, even the most experienced swimmers are warned against venturing into waterfalls. An accidental photo click at the moment of Suha’s fall The ravine at Wadi Shab World-renowned swimmer (and paramedic) Lynne Roper teaches aspiring divers and paddlers of the various contingencies when taking a dip in the sea or white waters. She writes in her blog: “Bubbles can make you lose your buoyancy, but the added effects of gravity can further pull you Suha has tips for you to to the bottom, leading you to drown. follow when swimming in “If you’re not experienced, that’s the kind of wadis in Oman: thing that can make you panic – and panicking can get you into trouble. Drowning is silent. Recognise that “It is instinctive to try to swim against the when an individual drowns, they current, back up thorough the bubbles, but cannot yell for help. you have to exit that stream of air filled fluid If you begin to drown, try not to Suha and Patrizia reunited a year later in Zurich through the water around you and then panic. Panic kills. Instead, take a surface,” she adds. deep breath, lie on your back and Just minutes after she began her struggle, she Of course, despite her swimming experience float. It’s only this way that you’ll and possibly due to shock, Suha struggled to cope surrendered – leaving it to the forces of the world be able to signal or call out for help. to save her from her distress. She says: “I gave up. with the bubbles in the water. I just wanted to close my eyes and sleep. Suha then tells: “I saw a rope next to the Don’t be irresponsible like me. I’ve “My husband was no longer close to me and to waterfall. In panic, I thought I would swim to the been swimming since I was a child, rope and pushed my body against the cave wall to be honest I do not know what he could have done but I was not prepared. Be aware – but he began to panic. He tried to reach me but propel me in that direction. of the dangers related to natural couldn’t overcome the currents. Moreover, it was “But, boy, I was wrong. Swimming against waters. Do not fear the water, but also loud inside the cave from the waterfalls – so this [vortex] took its toll on me. And quickly, my learn to respect it. no one could hear me.” attempt to swim became an attempt to simply But, rushing to the spot from the shadows of stay afloat. the cave was Patrizia. Without thinking twice, she “I started sinking. I was dying,” she says. things took a turn for the better. Swiss media jumped into the water to save Suha and wrapped “People always talk about how they think of houses carried her story and even forums such as her hands around her neck. their loved ones moments before they die. But, Reddit were awash with hashtags asking users to “I think she told me to lay on my back and take help Suha find Patrizia. my reality was nothing like that. In that moment, a deep breath as she held me close to her. I also Soon, a #findpatrizia campaign was launched – I just wanted fresh air. I’m a swimmer, but the closed my eyes out of exhaustion. And with my and after 12 days of search, Patrizia was found, sudden claustrophobia compounded by the eyes closed and my face close to hers, I only heard on August 24. strong current overcame me. her breath. “Brown complexion, short hair, thin face, and “I began to drown. Every time I managed to “There are many things I do not remember blue eyes: I knew it was her the moment I saw bring my mouth above the water, I would gasp about this encounter but her breaths are so vivid. for air rather than scream for help. her,” Suha says. I felt calmness with each breath of hers. She “I was counting every second, though I Photos of them exchanging hugs went viral seamlessly swam through the rough waters and eventually went deeper into the water. My last across all forms of media – and for once, the out of the tiny cave entrance, all while carrying few attempts to lift my body above water for air internet had come to cheer with the smiles of two me along.” individuals. were filled with water instead. That is, until I Suha was provided basic medical attention could leap no more.” But it didn’t end there. As it turned out, the on land – and she lives today to talk about her two women share the same birth date, month, ordeal. But she had one last thing to do: meet the and year! woman who stood between her and death, and “We hit it off immediately,” says Suha. “It was give her a hug and a bottle of her favourite almost like we’d known each other for years. She maple syrup. even gave us a tour of Zurich and introduced me Her search, undoubtedly, was a difficult one. to Swiss food, which we shared. “All I knew was that her name was Patrizia and “I felt a strong connection between us even that she was from Switzerland,” she says. though fate had only brought us together for And a few days into it, she began losing hope minutes, once before.” – but that’s when the Internet came together to While Suha did manage to give Patrizia her help her. maple syrup, she now shares a strong bond with Armed with keyboard warriors and her – and that no number of gifts can ever match international media, she put a call out for the up to what she gave her: the gift of life. woman. “It’s because of Patrizia that my children can She even travelled continents in a bid to meet grow up with a mother and father. If I could gift her. Knowing full well that her call would be her weight in gold, I would. But, I think both of heard in Europe, she headed to Germany and us now share a bond that we’ve waited 33 years wrote to media houses asking for help. to share. And for that very reason, I think that After weeks of a futile search, however, she this was destiny.” decided to give up and leave. But, that’s when “My heart is at peace.”
top tips
It’s because of Patrizia that my children can grow up with a mother and father. If I could gift her weight in gold, I would
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Presents
48
As the Sultanate gears up to celebrate the 48th Oman National Day, Y Magazine is excited to announce that registration for the 5th annual Y Portrait By A Nation is now open, as we invite youth across Oman to paint their patriotism once again
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n honour of the 48th Oman National Day on November 18, Y’s Portrait By A Nation returns for its 5th annual competition alongside Presenting Sponsor Ahlibank. Once again, young artists from schools across the Sultanate will come together to create a unique piece of art as a lasting tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. One of the biggest events of the year in Oman, Y’s Portrait By A Nation saw an impressive 2,200 entries received from children ages 5-17 years-old from Muscat, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah last year. Children will receive a different sized canvas and a different portrait of His Majesty, across three age categories of competition: 5-9 years – Canvas size 20cm x 30cm 10-13 years – Canvas size 30cm x 40cm 14-17 years – Canvas size 40cm x 50cm 48 finalists will be selected from participants – 16 per age category, with three winners chosen among them from each age category, for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RO2,550. Each winner will win a prize worth RO500 in each age category, while runners-up will win prizes valued at RO250 in each age category, and there will be RO100
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for third place in each age category. Championing the patriotic heart of the nation through the artistic expression of the young generation, Y’s Portrait By A Nation will be featured across all of SABCO Media’s platforms, including Y Magazine, Koooora Wa Bas Magazine, Merge 104.8, Al Wisal, and Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM.
Portrait by A Nation Milestones: On-ground Competition The competition will be held on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 as, over two days, hundreds of children create their own special pieces of art on the canvasses given to them with a pre-printed sketch of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. This initiative not only encourages talent but provides children with a platform to bring out their best artistic efforts while taking pride in their work. On-Ground Competition Dates Nizwa & Sohar: November 2 & 3 • Sur & Salalah: November 9 & 10 • Muscat: November 16 & 17 •
Judging Panel The Y Portrait By A Nation judging panel will include sponsors such as Presenting Sponsor Ahlibank, eminent local artists and
representatives of Team Y. The panel will select 16 winners from each age group for a total of 48 finalists. Felicitation Function Conducted in a 5-star venue, the sponsors will interact with the 48 finalists from the three age categories. The finalists, along with their families, will be invited to be awarded commendation certificates and prizes. The event will be followed by dinner. Special Coverage in Y Magazine After the competition, there will be special coverage in Y which will feature the works of the young artists along with their interviews. Sale of Paintings After the awards presentation, paintings of all the finalists will be put on display for public purchase at a minimum price-tag of RO25, with all proceeds going directly to the artist.
How To Register • • •
Register online at http://bit.ly/pban2018. Call or WhatsApp 9405-1770, or call 2442-6900. Or scan the QR code below.
Registration for participants in the interiors (Nizwa & Sohar, Sur & Salalah) closes October 27, 2018. Registration for participants in the capital area of Muscat closes November 10, 2018. OCT 04 - 10/ ISSUE 538
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COMPETITION
Presents
e m i t e f i L A f O e g d Ple Children will write it and parents will sign it – let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ happening on October 19 at Markaz Al Bahja Mall
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oad safety awareness plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of children and young people – guaranteeing they become responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the future. To teach children from a young age to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations, the Y magazine is once again conducting the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ competition. To participate in the competition children will write a ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ on behalf of their parents in a custom-made card distributed along with this edition of Y. The ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ card has a space wherein children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents. The Road Safety Pledge has to be counter-signed
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by their parents as the purpose is also to promote the message of road safety to parents through their children. The best three pledges will win gift vouchers of RO75 (first place), RO50 (second place) and RO25 (third place). Once the Road Safety Pledge is written on the supplied card, parents are requested to drop the card at designated drop boxes across Muscat. Participants can also look forward to an on-ground activation event happening on Friday, October 19 at Markaz Al Bahja Mall where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at an upcoming function at the SABCO Media offices in Seeb, where they will receive their prizes.
In Association With
Exclusive Medical Partner
■ Your own safety must be a priority when approaching the scene of an accident. Make sure that all traffic has stopped and that people have been alerted to the accident to prevent additional casualties. If there is any spilled fuel or other fire hazards turn off car ignitions. Always turn on vehicle hazard lights and use a warning triangle if there’s one available.
How to register Visit http://bit.ly/MyRoadSafetyPledge
and click on the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ tab on the homepage to register now! Registration closes Wednesday, October 17. Or, simply use your smartphone to scan the QR code right here!
■ If other people are around get them to phone the emergency services. However if you are on your own, first assess the situation and treat any life-threatening conditions first and then call for an ambulance. ■ Establish how many vehicles have been involved and assess the occupants of all the vehicles to ensure none of the casualties has life-threatening injuries. People screaming, crying and making a noise must be breathing – your priority at this point is to check anyone who is quiet and not moving. ■ If anyone is not moving: Ascertain whether they’re responsive or not. If there is no response, check if they are breathing. ■ Unresponsive and breathing: Ensure they are in a position where they are leaning forward or to one side to ensure the airway remains open. Move them as little as possible and avoid twisting them. Keep talking to the casualty calmly as they can hear you, even if they are unconscious. Keep them warm. ■ Unresponsive and not breathing: If the person is not breathing you will need to resuscitate them. If you are on your own and haven’t called an ambulance yet, you must do so at this point. If necessary, ask their advice on the best way to resuscitate as it’s not easy to do if they are in a car. ■ Only attempt to remove an unconscious person from their vehicle if there is an immediate danger to their life, e.g. from fire, flood, or explosion. Conscious casualties should be taken care of by bystanders and removed from the wreckage to a safe area. Be aware that casualties maybe dazed and confused. ■ Anyone trapped in a vehicle should be monitored carefully and the emergency services notified immediately. If someone is crushed, note the exact time when the accident happened as this is important in deciding on how and when to release the casualty. ■ Do not allow anyone to smoke at the scene or give the casualties anything to eat or drink following the accident in case they need an operation later. ■ If a motorcyclist is involved only remove their helmet if they are unconscious and there is no other way to assess their breathing or their airway is in danger. There is usually a way of lifting the visor, it may be sensible to loosen their chin strap. ■ If a casualty has been hit by a car and they are lying on their back unconscious and breathing – they should be carefully rolled into the recovery position to keep their spine in line. Ideally, this should be done with the support of others to avoid twisting the spine. ■ If a casualty has been hit by a vehicle or thrown from one and they are conscious in the road, they should be encouraged to keep still. Ensure that someone is directing traffic and maintaining safety. Support their head and neck, keep them warm and dry and wait for the emergency services.
COMPETITION RULES:
● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. OCT 04 - 10 / ISSUE 538
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• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut
• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis
Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and Political Science
• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University
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CARS AND ADVENTURES
OFF-ROAD READY
A four-wheel all-star in the Sultanate, the Nissan Patrol now hits the streets with a brand-new rigging that won’t break your wallet. -P34
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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s
P o s t c a r d s Fr o m
Y- F i
Destination
Samkat AMID THE SULTANATE’S MOUNTAINOUS INTERIORS, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI EXPLORES THE RUGGED DESOLATION OF A LAND THAT TIME FORGOT 032
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Gaming
the rock-strewn paths of Samkat; kicking back and unsettling stones to forge a new path in the wilderness. And boy, it was rewarding. If the orange skies weren’t enough to behold, the combination of white and red rocks were. It’s almost like the makers swirled two colour tones onto a palette and poured them over the otherwise messy mountain peaks. Among all the chaos, though, was peace. At that point, it would be wise if you ditched your vehicle and took off on foot. There are challenges aplenty but all are well worth the effort. It doesn’t take long to realise that Samkat is, quintessentially, a great place for trekkers; much like most other parts surrounding the coastal town of Quriyat and Wadi Dayqah (both of which lie next to this village). Dry shrubs and fossils of trees still stand erect among the rocky landscape, peppering the surface like the postapocalyptical set from the movie Terminator. It’s all a bit eerie – and it’s best to keep company to hand. That said, there is fauna – mostly birds – out there to keep you occupied. Call it the marvel of nature, but none of them was interested in posing for photos during
my trip. They just weren’t having any of it; you know, as they went about their daily lives picking out food from the rubble. Our next target was to capture the source of the red rocks – a feat we thought would put an end to our questions as to why the area is so vibrant. But it was harder than we thought. All we could achieve, really, even after 45 minutes of trekking, was exhaustion. Just as we sat down to catch our breath, we noticed a gleam of light coming from the cracks of the mountains, painting the whole backdrop in red. It’s a phenomenon we’d never experienced before. Perhaps this is what Mars would be like. Red, uninhabited by humans (for now), and above all, mysterious. Well then, Samkat joins my list of quirky places that would make a fitting description of the Sultanate’s splendour and charm. As the saying about Oman goes: beauty has an address.
HOW TO GET THERE
TRAVEL GUIDE
T
he licence to explore new territories is one that has been bestowed upon us – and it’s only wise to use that to our advantage. And with so much left to explore here in Oman, we can get out and about without a road map or an end goal. While all of that makes travelling a tad unpredictable, it does put you right back in the driver’s seat. Then it’s just you, Mother Nature and the sun and stars to guide you home. But as it turned out, home wasn’t home anymore. It was a location better known as Samkat – a lone, desolate village in the nooks of Quriyat. On the face of it, it’s a simple and unassuming village – a perfect setting to showcase the still and tranquil mornings in the Sultanate. Yet among all the quietness – and away from the houses – lies a path less trodden. Perhaps this was the road less taken that the poet Robert Frost famously wrote about. That, however, wasn’t going to be the case anymore. The sound of the V8 bellowed across the horizon as we entered
From Muscat, take the main road to Al Amerat and then take the exit when you see the sign for Samkat. Keep an eye out for the chicken slaughterhouse, which is your marker that you are in the right place.
GPS Coordinates: N23°17’38.8”; E58°31’35.6”
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FIRST DRIVE
CARS ADVENTURES
S
2 0 1 8 N I S S A N PAT RO L V 6 P L AT I N U M
Team Y tries out an SUV stalwart that’s still big on substance and unstinting in style
itting in the lineup as an icon of sorts, the Nissan Patrol has paved its way onto the SUV market – especially that in the Sultanate – with gusto. It’s a winner, no doubt as it has always been since its release as a utilitarian vehicle in the 1950s. There’s no better way to put it: there’s no bad recipe when you’re building a Patrol. Think of it as like preparing a pizza – you really can’t go wrong. And for that very reason, it continues to prowl around the roads of Oman today. The current generation Patrol – dubbed by its makers as the Y62 – follows in the footsteps of its predecessors too: a large body with off-road credentials that would put… well… the rugged Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to shame, a luxurious interior to rival the best from the west; all wrapped into a brand name that’s synonymous
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with the GCC. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll realise that for one very prominent reason the Patrol stands ahead of its rivals: flexibility (figuratively, of course). That’s right. The SUV can now be tailor-made to suit your tastes as has been dictated by the current dynamics of the GCC market. But set aside the LED daytime running lights, the large chromeheavy grille, the 20-inch (50cm) machine cut alloys and all other luxury frills; and you’ll realise that Nissan now brings to the table the greatest change of all: a new engine. Although, it may not seem groundbreaking initially, you’ll be obliging soon after you take control of the wheel. The motor’s a homegrown Nissan unit – a 4.0-litre V6 – that aims not only to sit below the power-packed V8 variant but also to strike a harmony between performance and comfort. It all falls into place just moments after you take to the streets. While the grunt from the 275 horses and 394Nms of torque isn’t nearly as addictive as that of the V8 variant, it still has enough firepower – and more – to power the gargantuan SUV from zero to 100kph in about 11.5 seconds. In short, the Patrol settles into its speed without much drama, which, according to Nissan, is what the end user desires. Admirable? Yes! However, where it really hits the chords is on on-road comfort. What you lose in power and torque you gain in refinement on the road – the engine is almost as quiet as a turbocharged low-displacement pot banger from Germany. This translates to noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) levels that are best in class. While of this lays the foundation for a vehicle that solely belongs on the paved road, the Patrol has an arsenal up its sleeve that edges it past its competitors:
Nissan’s legendary off-road control system. And, golly, it works wonders. The Patrol scales rocks and sands like its powerful sibling, breathing out a bootful of torque low down the RPM range. The naturally-aspirated engine only peaks past 2,800rpm but the revhappy V6 has no shame in hitting the high notes to extract all its power. That, coupled with the 275/60 Bridgestone tyres and the electronically-locking differential, provides for superior traction while forging fresh paths. Meanwhile, the traditional seven-speed automatic transmission is a peach – and a welcome brush away from the CVTs that Nissan normally makes use of. The transmission tuning is fit for cruising on the highways, and kick-downs are fairly quick. Of course, should the need arise, you can also slip the tranny into manual mode and make use of additional
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NISSAN PATROL V6 PLATINUM Specifications: • Engine: 4.0-litre ‘naturallyaspirated’ V6 • Transmission: Seven-speed automatic • Power: 275hp • Torque: 394Nms Four-wheel-drive Electronically-locking differential 20-inch alloy wheels 8-inch infotainment screen 13-speaker Bose audio system Multi-screen rear DVD entertainment system Leather upholstery Traction and stability controls Parking sensors 360-degree around-view monitor Cruise control 272mm ground clearance
features such as engine braking. Speaking of which, the Patrol must have the best set of brakes on a Japanese SUV. The pedal is a tad spongy but there’s a healthy progression to the brakes that swiftly blunts the speeds on the 2.6-tonne vehicle. Also impressive is the steering rack, which despite its weight at low speeds, tends to provide the driver with adequate feedback and quick responses. Body roll is kept to a minimum even in the models without the fancy hydraulic suspension system (as found in top V8 variant) but it’s always wise to treat vehicles of such size with respect on the road. The comfort level from the regular suspension system is admirable, and edges out some of its other Asian competitors with similar setups. Call is careful engineering but the Patrol must be the most comfortable full-size SUV to drive on the
roads today – even with the V6 moniker. The travel from the suspension is quite high, which makes riding over large rocks and undulating surfaces a walk in the park. Moreover, you also get about 272mm of ground clearance. The Nissan Patrol is certainly a car for passionate drivers, as it invokes a strong sense of involvement and excitement when you’re out and about. But that hasn’t left us with a spartan interior. Everything you see within is swaddled in high-quality leather. Even the armrests and the inserts on the doorsills are finished to the utmost quality. Furthermore, there are perforations on the inserts in the door panels and softtouch surfaces on the upper panels of the dashboard where you’d normally touch. The seats are cushy and comfortable although the rear seats lack adequate lumbar support. Nevertheless, the driver and passenger seats offer superior levels of side bolstering to keep you bolted to the seat while taking tight turns. On the tech front, the Patrol comes packing an 8-inch (20cm)
THERE’S ALSO A THUMPING 13-SPEAKER BOSE AUDIO SYSTEM FOR YOUR MUSIC NEEDS, FEATURES SUCH AS A COOL-BOX IN THE CENTRE ARMREST, USB OUTLETS TO CHARGE YOUR PHONES, AND WOOD-GRAIN TRIM touchscreen with an additional knob to operate functions while driving. It’s an intuitive system with navigation functions as well but it does fall short when compared with the screen found on its sibling, the Maxima. Still, with bold fonts and quick-to-respond menus, it won our hearts. There’s also a thumping 13-speaker Bose audio system for your music needs, features such as a cool-box in the centre armrest, USB outlets to charge your phones, and wood-grain trim. A week ago, if you’d come to us singing the praises of a V6-powered Patrol, we’d call you out for blasphemy. But after a comprehensive drive of the vehicle, we’re obliged to say that it’s exactly what the doctor ordered. Call it a sign of the times – but the Patrol V6 has proven far more than it ever needed to. Dare we say, it could even eat into the sales of its competitors who banked on the absence of a frugal rival from Nissan. Checkmate!
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CARS ADVENTURES WINTER WONDERLAND
Salzburg’s famous Festung Hohensalzburg presides over the banks of the Salzbach River like something out of a fairytale.
1. Marvel at the musical legacy of Mozart in Hagenauer House 2. Hike your way to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress 3. Enjoy family fun at the ‘trick’ fountains at Hellbrun Palace 4. Step back in time with a visit to Salzburg Museum 5. Sample some exquisite apple strudel and coffee
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POSTCARDS FROM
Chris Stauvermann recommends
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Y
es, there are some cities and towns that can kick up the kitsch a bit too much - and Salzburg might be one of them. Well, there are the tour buses teeming with The Sound of Music savants just dying to warble “doh-a-deer” on the Von Trapp mansion steps. Then, there are the Mozart pilgrims, trailing the composer whose birthplace continues to strike a chord with classical music-lovers. THE M OZAR But don’t let this put you off. Salzburg sizzles with heritage, arts and culture T MAKAR WOHNHAUS O without having to overdo the oompah-pah or rely largely on lederhosen shops. N TPLAT Z Food-wise, it’s not all about apple strudel and schnitzel (fried chicken). Here, you can sample some seriously scrummy Balkan hot dogs, wade in on wild boar with all the trimmings, gorge on gastronomic goulashes, or imbibe ice cream made from sheep’s milk. Salzburg is Austria’s fourth-largest city, with 146,000 people calling it home. Its blend of baroque architecture and expansive squares have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list while its easy walkability means you can pack in a lot in over a long weekend.
My favourite place
It just has to be the Hohensalzburg Fortress. It was built in 1077, and rebuilt in 1500, which is the structure you see today. It’s open all year-round and, for the kids, there’s the enchanting Marionette Museum. For Mum and Dad, the fortress museums are replete with an eclectic treasure trove of artefacts preserved from its former residents i.e. princes and archbishops. You can choose a bracing 45-minute walk up to the imposing entrance, or take the Festungbahn (about 5 minutes). The astonishing panoramic views over the city and the mountains of Monschburg and Kapuzinerberg make this a must-do.
Highlights
Arguably, the greatest composer of them all, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here in 1756, at 9 R ON - T H E Getreidegasse.The ochre-coloured, relatively unassuming Hagenauer House was where the genius lived with his family E OP OL D S K C H L OS S L S in a third-floor apartment until he was 17. Here, he’s brought to life: 18th century furniture, portraits, and ornaments R E T H E V ON H OM E W H E abound, and there are glass cases that display many of his personal effects including sheet music, correspondence, and IV E D ’ T R A P P S ‘L his silk wallet. His violin and clavichord are prominently displayed (just don’t touch them). This house is his birthplace and is not to be confused with his other home, Mozart Wohnhaus, on Makartplatz, where he lived with his family before moving to Vienna in his 20s. It’s also worth a visit but is less evocative. I have to mention it. It wasn’t one of my favourite things and therefore I gave it a miss: the sights of the movie The Sound of Music. Fans of the 1965 blockbuster musical will find tour operators falling over themselves to take you to Mirabell Palace and Gardens and the Pegasus Fountain (for the dance scene with Maria and the children), Schloss Leopoldskron (the home where the Von Trapps lived) and Nonnberg Priory (where the young Maria was a novice nun). If you simply like to amble and sample this medieval city’s myriad delights without being a slave to your guidebook, you’ll encounter some winding alleyways and resplendent squares, the most well-known of which is Marketplatz. Presiding over it is the venerable Church of the Holy Trinity, a bastion of Baroque architecture. In the centre, you can gaze at the unique bronze sculpture by the English artist Anthony Cragg.
Lowlights None. Souvenirs If you really must have a dirndl or a pair of lederhosen, then head for the shops on Getreidegasse or Residenzplatz
Square. From Monday to Saturday, you can sample some of the irresistible pastries, yummy cheeses, and luscious locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables at the Grunmarkt, at Universitatsplatz. It’s the perfect place to buy picnic fare if spending the day at Salzburg Zoo.
Getting there Oman Air operates flights to Vienna via Dubai, which will take about 10 hours in total. From Vienna,
there are regular trains to Salzburg, and the journey takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Where to stay You can choose to stay in the centre in a converted medieval townhouse or a minimalist, modern hotel,
or stay out of town in a typical Austrian gasthaus.The choice is yours, and you’ll be well-spoilt here. Check out options on Booking.com, Trivago, Hotels.com or Expedia.
KAIS TRADIT ERSCHMAR R IONAL A USTRIA N - A DESSE N PAN RT WIT H RAIS CAKE INS
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
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GADGETS FOR GAMERS
The Y Geek Squad brings you the latest devices to keep the kids confined to their rooms this autumn
THE PERFECT SIMULATOR
SHARK ATTACK!
Let’s face it: there’s no better thrill than driving an RO250,000 Lamborghini Aventador on a racetrack… and straight through a metal wall. Again, for most of you here (us included), this would stay a distant dream, unless you’re an oil baron. But, consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have been countenancing peeps like us destroy supercars for decades. Now, however, you can get one more step closer to the action with the Logitech G27 Racing Wheel. There’s no better simulator grade racing wheel out there; no way, no how. It features a powerful dual motor force feedback mechanism with helical gearing; a swanky-looking six-speed shifter; integrated RPM shift indicator like you get in a Ferrari; a steel accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals; and best of all, an 11-inch leather-wrapped steering wheel. Get it from amazon.com for RO156.8.
Forget the expensive PlayStations, Razer phones and Apple devices; the Xiaomi Black Shark is all you’ll ever need. Sure, it may not bring the same level of nobility to the table as, say, some of its more famous (and well-endowed) competitors but it certainly packs enough punch to put them all to shame. Think of this device as the Lionel Messi of phones – humble yet talented, and powerful when the time comes. Underneath the fancy-looking shell lies a Snapdragon 845 chipset, 8gigs of RAM, 128GB storage, and a decent 5.99-inch LCD screen. While the latter is quite dated, it still powers more pixels than the upcoming Apple iPhone XR (Yes, Apple. Shots fired!). Be that as it may, the Black Shark will only set you back RO210 from aliexpress.com, and they’ll even chuck in an original gaming controller for free.
RAZER SHARP Do you really need a Razer Hydra to play games on your PC? Not necessarily. But, like most gadgets mentioned here, this device will help you become at one with the game – figuratively, of course. Though, it eerily borders on becoming a part of it. These are essentially motion-sensing controllers, but it’s one of the few that come certified for gaming. It’s also exact to the millimetre, which means you can get closer to the action and you can’t blame the controller any more when you lose. It’s a win-win situation if you think about it. Tag it with virtual reality headgear, and you need never bother leaving your room again. Just make sure you respond when the neighbours come knocking on your door. Buy this from amazon.com for RO154.
GEFORCE
EDITOR’S PICK
IT’S CALLED THE ‘KING OF GAMING PERIPHERALS’ FOR A REASON: THE NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1080 TI IS, BY A MILE, THE BEST GRAPHIC CARD OUT THERE. SURE, IT’S A BIT OF A STRETCH IF ALL YOU’RE LOOKING TO PLAY IS PINBALL. BUT, IF YOUR LIFE REVOLVES AROUND GRAPHIC INTENSIVE GAMES, THEN THIS IS THE TOY YOU NEED. THE CARD CAN PUMP OUT A MAXIMUM RESOLUTION OF 7680 X 4320 (4K) AT AN UNBELIEVABLE 240HZ. THAT’S A FEW TOO MANY MORE THAN WHAT YOUR EYES CAN CAPTURE AFTER AN HOUR OF HARDCORE GAMING. THERE’S MORE, TOO: THE GTX 1080 TI COMES PACKING 11GB OF GDDR5X AND NINE TEMPERATURE SENSORS TO KEEP THINGS IN CHECK IF YOU EVER DECIDE TO OVERCLOCK THE DEVICE FOR MORE PERFORMANCE. WITH THREE BUILT-IN FANS, THOUGH, IT’S NOT THE QUIETEST WHILE GAMING – AND IT’S EVIDENT WHEN THE DEVICE THROTTLES. GET IT FROM AMAZON.COM FOR RO287.
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PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
The Y Geek Squad finds no dearth of daring-do, realism, and role-play in the game that pits wits against the wilderness as a plebeian fighter: there’s absolutely nothing you PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which is fondly Info Box can use to protect yourself from the enemies. All you (and annoyingly) touted as ‘PUBG’ (pronounced: Developers: have, really, are clothes – which, by the way, can be “pubjee”), has a notorious and almost sinister cult BLUEHOLE, PUBG customised. Nevertheless, in the grand scheme of following for an online multiplayer game – it’s CORPORATION things, it makes no difference to the outcome of the almost uncanny. Simply put, there are several Platforms: game; except, perhaps, you’ll look nicer than your reasons to detest this title but none of those have MICROSOFT rivals when you’re shot dead. anything to do with the actual game itself. WINDOWS, ANDROID, If you can survive the initial 45 seconds, though, Our greatest concern with the game is the fans – XBOX ONE you’ll find the game to be incredibly rewarding. most of whom are unrestricted pre-adolescent kids Genre: Weapons are peppered across various checkpoints in who invariably rant on YouTube BATTLE ROYALE the map, with the riskier zones housing some of the and Instagram every time their Mode: juicier stuff like the M249 light machine gun or the television rights are taken away. MULTIPLAYER SLR self-loading rifle. But scratch beyond its initial There’s no place for mercy in the game – unless exasperating surface and you’ll you’re teaming up with your friends or something – find a mighty good game. A game that’s and you’ll need to be resolute in taking out the rookie players so good in fact that we’re almost inclined first. Also, the map shrinks in size every few minutes to bring towards voting for it as one of the finest all players closer towards the action. Those caught outside the games of this generation; a crème de la playing arena will slowly take damage and waste away. crème of third-person shooter games Aside from shooting down your enemies, you’ll also need to of sorts. investigate ghost towns, cities, and other sites to find ammo and It all begins when you parachute weapons, create more encounters with enemies to increase your from a plane and onto an 8km by hit rate, and above all, eliminate anybody that stands in 8km playing field, which can engage your way. up to 100 players in a gruesome For most parts of the game, you’ll find yourself engaging in an do-or-die battle to the finish. Of almost Counter Strike: GO-style warfare, wherein you’ll need to course, the last man standing maintain a fine balance between stealth and aggression. That wins – but it’s not as simple as said, it really won’t take long for a rookie to settle in – and that’s it sounds. what makes this game enjoyable. You enter the battleground It gives everyone an equal chance. It’s then up to the player to make the most of a situation. There’s never a dearth of ammo, and even if you do find yourself in such a scenario, you can always combat your way using melee weapons. In the end, that’s what makes it a great game. It blends a fine mix of realism with the idiosyncrasies normally associated with role-playing games. If anything, it’s like setting out on an adventure like survivalist Bear Grylls, except for one major difference: instead of hunting for animals, you hunt down slow-moving players dressed in budget interpretations of Dr. Henry Jones from the Indian Jones movies. No offence, though. It is, after all, the second-best-selling PC game of all time. JULY OCT 03 04 - 09 10 / ISSUE 538 327
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
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AHEAD OF THE CURVE
FASHION
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and 2018 has been all about body positivity and reclaiming the right to rock the skin you’re in. Flaunt what you’ve got with pieces that accentuate in all the right places – like this fallfriendly ensemble with some citrusy pumps that pack a punch.
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k o o L e h
Jump on the bandwagon with one of 2018’s hottest fall fashion trends – fringe. Let the fash-pack see you coming in this edgy biker jacket from Violeta by Mango. Walk away with it for RO40.
t, tree s h g e hi ok. h t n to t the lo o i h ge fas igh ps you h l From Y he m Tea
Dress how you want, the way you want, with this forestgreen paisleyprint shirtdress from DP Curve that draws the eye towards its cinched waist. Throw on a pair of brightly-bold heels to smash it. Price: RO14.
Go from casual to chic with this imitation leather shoulder-bag from H&M in a classic dusky-rose colour that nicely offsets just about any ensemble. Take it home for RO7.99.
A statement shoe is the perfect topoff to any ensemble – be it a LBD or a pair of white skinnies, and these red ones from Aldo are the cherry on top. Make them yours for RO36.
Perk up your neckline by adding a flash of gold to your décolletage with this layered strand necklace from ASOS – the perfect accessory to glam your look. Own it for RO7.5.
Make a splash in citrus with a lemony-snicket camisole from DP Curve that’s form-flowing in all the right places. Pair it with a skinny jean by day and a cigarette pant by night. Snag it for RO9. .
No need to sacrifice comfort for style in these form-fitting pair of white denim jeans from River Island’s plussize line. Pair them with a silky top or motorcycle jacket and let the ripped-knee accents up your quotient of heavy-metal chic. Snag them for RO21.
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to cause serious infections. “Every year, many women end up with eye infections from cosmetics,” warns the University of Rochester Medical Center in the United States. “In rare cases, women have been temporarily or permanently blinded by an eye cosmetic, according to the FDA.” You can, however, prevent these problems and others with these simple tips:
Just how many germs are multiplying on your mascara wand? There’re more bacteria brewing on those shadow brushes and eyeliner pencils than you think. That’s why proper makeup hygiene is essential. Here are some tips to help keep you in the clear
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or a lot of women, eye makeup is an essential part of being properly dressed – just as important as a stylish outfit or nice
shoes. But while mascara and eyeliner can create different looks, from subtle to striking; they can also make you ill. The problem: eye makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria. We all have a few microbes, like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, living around our eyes. When eyeliner or mascara is applied, some of those bugs stick to the applicator and are carried back to the makeup container. Eye products are supposed to contain preservatives to keep bacteria from growing. But some products don’t have enough. And, over time, the preservative’s effectiveness declines. As a result, the bacteria on an eyeliner pencil or mascara applicator grow and multiply. Each time you apply makeup, you get bigger and bigger doses of bacteria – enough
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● Don’t share makeup to avoid spreading bacteria ● Replace your eye makeup regularly, at least every three to four months ● Remove eye makeup at the end of every day ● Practise good eyelid hygiene. Christine Sindt, OD, Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa, recommends wiping the eyes daily with an antibacterial eyelid cleanser. “[This can] dramatically reduce the amount of Staphylococcus and other bacteria around the eye – by more than 99 per cent,” says Sindt. “Most such solutions contain hypochlorous acid, “a substance used by the body as a natural defence against pathogens, but is completely harmless to skin,” explains Sindt. Daily eye hygiene is your best defence against infection and other common opthalmalogic issues such as dry eye and Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). By following these simple steps as part of your daily routine, you can have beautiful eyes without the expense of their health to boot. Source: newsusa.com
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BABY GLOW Bringing up a new baby can be a shock to the system that might cause both your mind and body a major meltdown. Here, Gemma Harrison offers a few tips to help you cope
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ennis superstar Serena Williams made a bit of a racket when she reamed an umpire at the recent US Open. At one point, she even invoked her motherhood when seeking to justify her boorish behaviour. Of course, her on-court conduct was inexcusable. But watching the match with me was my niece, who said rather tartly: “Well, she’s a new Mum. That’s what happens.” As a mother of two, I was often so tired I could barely stick the strap on a Pampers nappy. And as for being irritable; well, lets’ not go there. And for some new Mums, the shock to the system of having your day, routine and life turned upside down can be an ordeal; one that you really didn’t see coming when that bundle of joy was placed in your arms for the first time. But your baby’s first few months needn’t be a trial, despite your having to get up several times a night. Here are some tips to keep things on an even keel: the first of which is making sure your husband does his fair share of the nappy changing in the morning; and if using formula, the night feeds. Sleep savvy At first, babies don’t know they’re supposed to sleep at night. It takes a few months for them to realise this. Meantime, avoid the temptation to keep
your baby awake because you want to put him down at night. If he’s tired, he’s tired. If you stop him from nodding off, he will simply cry and scream making you more stressed than ever. Therefore, if he’s showing signs of wanting to doze off then go with it. Fight fatigue Taking a nap when your baby does is always worth doing, so make sure your phone is switched off. Yes, your domestic load is a labour of love but your desire for a pristine home will have to be put on hold. Don’t worry about that pile of dirty dishes. If you need a nap, take it. If a friend or relative offers to help out with a spot of baby-minding or housework while you duck under the covers then take them up on their offer. Fitness and food Yes, your body feels like it has been keel-hauled. But to look after your baby, you need to look after yourself – so stay fit and don’t skimp on nutrition. Prepare some of your favourite chicken or meat dishes in bulk. Freeze them and then defrost when you want and serve with fresh fruit and vegetables. If you can find room in the house, try some gentle fitness exercises or a little yoga or tai chi. Stress distress Even getting just one job done can feel like a Herculean task. The load on your mind can become a bit much to take, at times. But if you can find some me-time then make the most of it. It could be flopping down in front of the TV with your husband with a boxed set or wallowing in the bath. Yes, the mother-in-law has ‘done all this before’ but if she offers her help, then accept it graciously. And if you buy her an occasional thank-you gift, it will be worth it; trust me. OCT 04 - 10 / ISSUE 538
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MIX IT UP
Make the most of your meals by amping up nutrition without skimping on flavour.
Simple
Swaps
for a healthier lunch When improving your diet, starting small is key. Making minor adjustments to meals can have a major impact on your wellbeing. Here, Team Y shows you how
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hoosing a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be boring or a day-to-day challenge. In fact, there are plenty of tasty and healthier substitutions you can make to your favourite meals when eating out or packing a lunch, such as adding more fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing refined grain products such as white bread and sugary foods. And, losing just a few pounds can help reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Sacha Uelman, Director of Nutrition at the American Diabetes Association, says: “When it comes to any meal; if you’re living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, making the healthy choice is probably at the forefront of your mind but it’s not always the easy choice. “Remember that healthy choices for people with diabetes are the same as for everyone else: choose more vegetables, especially leafy greens, lean protein sources and whole grains in place of processed refined grains whenever you can.” Making better choices at lunch is a great place to start – and even small changes can help. So, check out these healthy swaps below:
Caesar Salad
The traditional salad contains romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing. Make a healthier salad by asking for the dressing on the side and use it sparingly. Add more veggies to your salad to increase vitamins and minerals including dark, leafy greens such as kale or spinach, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes or onions instead of croutons. Go light on the cheese or skip it altogether. Some restaurants now offer kale Caesar salad.
Pizza
Two slices of pizza with extra cheese sounds delicious but it can be high in saturated fat and calories. A better option is to have one slice of regular cheese pizza with veggie toppings and a side salad, or two small slices of thin-crust pizza with a side salad. And what about soda? Try sparkling water or still water with lemon instead.
Italian sub
Choosing a sandwich with fries and a soda or sweet tea might satisfy a craving, but it’s also a lunch that’s packed with calories. Try a grilled chicken breast or turkey sandwich on wholewheat bread or wrap and add plenty of veggies. Replace regular mayo with avocado, hummus or light mayonnaise and ask for half the cheese. Add fresh fruit or a small salad in place of the fries. And swap out the soda or sweet tea for water, sparkling water or unsweetened tea with a splash of lime.
Take the stress out of making these choices on your own and consider a structured meal plan in consultation with your doctor or dietitian, which will provide pre-portioned meals to help manage diabetes and keep healthy eating on track at every meal. Source: newsusa.com OCT 04 - 10 / ISSUE 538
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COPPER RESTAURANT
Sayh Al Malih Street, Qurum Opening hours: Sun-Sat, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Contact: (+968) 2456-4292 www.copper.restaurant Dinner for two: RO31.65
COPPER RESTAURANT
TEAM Y CHECKS OUT AN EATERY WITH EDGY CHIC AND AN ETHOS OF FOOD STRIPPED DOWN TO BASIC INGREDIENTS WITH BIG FLAVOUR
Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Comforting bistro bites that are big on quantity and quality Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
at the table in a bowl large enough for an entire family to share. on’t be fooled by the candy-apple red It was a textural experience of crunchy-crispy Johnny Pag Pro Street cycle up on beetroot tendrils; coupled with roasted beetroot blocks that greets you when you enter OVERALL, COPPER IS PUNCHING WELL cubes, creamy, salty feta, pistachio nuts, mint and Copper Restaurant. ABOVE ITS GAME WITH GOLD-LEVEL a piquant honey-mustard dressing that balanced it Or the sky-blue model just to the left next to STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND QUALITY all out nicely. the cash register – you haven’t stumbled into the AND A VARIETY OF CUISINE THAT STICKS The mains were equally gargantuan – with the wrong place. It’s all part of the ambience. TO WHAT IT KNOWS BEST waiter explaining to us that the rib-eye cut was not Open since 2015, this stand-alone standout available that evening and would we like to swap it draws in hungry patrons with a menu promising for a T-bone instead. simply-crafted dishes with an emphasis on A caveman-size slab of perfectly charred, simplistic; flavoursome ingredients conceptualised medium-rare beef came on a wooden slab, fat in new ways and beautifully presented. dripping and crisp all at the same time. Served It’s early in the week – a Sunday night, in fact, with a side of crispy potato latke, pan-roasted when we pop by for an early dinner. mushrooms and wilted bok choy, Bearnaise sauce While the restaurant is quiet to begin and fries; it epitomised indulgence. with, folks soon start trickling in – many with The Chicken Parmigiana was also a winner. instruments in hand for the weekly Open Mic Not overly heavy with the crumbed batter, it was night that’s about to kick off. coated with a generous spread of tomato relish, spot-on for the most part. Copper touts itself as a Live music with a spot of food? Don’t mind locale where ‘urban living’ meets ‘nourishing food’, melted mozza and a side of sweet potato fries. It if we do. with all dishes freshly-prepared (as they should be, was comfort food at its best. Our only feedback Copper’s is one of those restaurants that we say!). would be that the tomato relish on top of the we found out about through word-of-mouth The lightly-battered Prawn Popcorn came served chicken that should have been the flavour-driver – try and get a table on the weekend, it’s that in a martini glass on a bed of homemade coleslaw of the dish could have had a bit more ‘oomph’. popular. As we’re led to our booth next to the dusted with sesame seeds. Sweet and piping-hot, It also came with a side salad of the same variety performance area, it’s clear that as much effort their honey glazes were cut with a squeeze of lime that we’d just ordered in a full-sized portion – has been invested into crafting the look and feel and the gushy morsels went down a treat. These which the waiter should have flagged as we ended of the space as has gone into the menu. are perfect for sharing but we won’t blame you if up taking most of the salad home with us for Decked out in industrial tones with raw wood you want to keep them all to yourself. leftovers. and pallet materials, exposed (copper!) pipes The BBQ Big Wings were a bit of a surprise. Overall, Copper is punching well above its game and garage-style lighting with funky graffiti wall Char-grilled and dusted with sesame seeds with gold-level standards of service and quality art – it’s a culinary chop-shop where good things and fresh jalapenos, at first glance they looked and a variety of cuisine that sticks to what it knows happen. Flavoursome things; things that begin somewhat dry. Until, at first bite, we got a succulent best – freshness and flavour, plain and simple. with an order of their Prawn Popcorn and BBQ soupçon of peri-peri kick underneath the crispyBig Wing starters. smoke of the char. We were taken aback by how Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see simplistic yet completely moreish they were, and reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com The waiters are friendly and the service was the basket was demolished in short order. Copper is known for its tempting all-day breakfast menu, and some markedly unique menu items – poke bowls anyone? Or how about an Omani shuwa burger or pizza? We stick with some can’t-go-wrong favourites – Chicken Parmigiana and Char-Grilled Rib-Eye; with one of their signature Fresh Big Salads to share: roasted beetroot, in fact. Portion sizes were ample to the point of overly generous and our vibrantly-coloured salad arrived
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